Hybrid String Inverter with Energy Storage for Grid Independent Power System

Inverters have come a long way over the last several decades. Utilization of newer topologies significantly improved the overall system efficiency for different applications. Specifically, central inverter for photovoltaic (PV) application has largely been replaced by string inverters, micro inverters and optimizers in last five years. String inverter has advantages in terms of higher efficiency with independent strings, reduced overall system cost in comparison to micro inverter and optimizers. Storage-integrated hybrid inverter manufacturers are also utilizing similar concepts through DC- or AC-coupling and Tabuchi Electric is one of the pioneers in the field with their string inverter. Tabuchi America (TA), a subsidiary of Tabuchi Electric, Japan is one of the market leading manufacturers of energy storage integrated hybrid inverters and has market presence in North America since 2014. Tabuchi's hybrid inverter provides multiple energy savings and back-up functions through its state of the art software architecture and multi-string configuration. Results from real installation sites are provided and future technology trends in hybrid inverter are also discussed in this article.